The playoff picture in the NFC is complicated and Aaron Rodgers return only makes it more interesting. Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a broken collarbone in week seven, has been medically cleared to return to play this Sunday against the Panthers. The Packers are 7-6 and have a shot at making a Wild Card bid and knocking off the Panthers would go a long way towards making it happen. Green Bay needs to jump the Seahawks who are are one game ahead. They could also use the Falcons or Panthers to drop in the Wild Card standings to help in case Seattle somehow puts some wins together at the last moment.

The playoff picture is complicated for the NFC and for the Panthers who are 9-4. Carolina is in the Wild Card hunt and in the chase for the NFC South title. The Panthers need to win, however, to ensure they get in. There's a good chance a team with 10, and maybe even 11, wins misses the playoffs. The only way to make sure you get in is to win. It's why Aaron Rodgers is coming back against a defense that could put him right back out again and why the Panthers task of beating the Packers just became a little more difficult.

By Tony DunnFollow @Cat_Chronicles for the latest Panthers news and opinions from the fan perspective.

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